Disaster in Oz

Chapter I

Havoc in Kansas

Dorothy Gale longed to see the wondrous Land of Oz once more.

It had now been nearly two months since she had visited this exciting region. Auntie Em said that
there was no possible way to enter that stupendous country again. At first, her stern auntie did not
believe in Oz, and thought of it as just an imaginary place, until she had actually been there and found
out how real it really 3was.

Clearly, Dorothy could still remember her first time there. Roughly two years ago, she had landed in
wonderful Oz- after a violent hurricane had blown her previous house from grey Kansas. In Oz, she
had met many magical friends: the Cowardly Lion (though now very courageous), the Scarecrow and
Nick Chopper (better known as the Tin Woodsman, or Emperor of the Winkies). Also, on later
adventures she had met other marvellous companions: Tik-Tok (a mechanical man and leader of Ozs
royal army), the Shaggy Man, a glass cat, Scraps (the patchwork girl), professor H.M. Wogglebug
T.E. (Highly Magnified and Thoroughly Educated), Jack Pumpkinhead, the Hungry Tiger, the Saw-
horse and many more.

Her last exploit was to discover and disenchant the blue-witch Abatha. As you may already know,
there are four wicked witches and four good witches in the Land of Oz. The four wicked witches were
the unnamed witches of the East, South and West, but also Mombi (the cruel witch of the north).
Likewise, there should have been four good sorceresses in each of the cardinal directions: Glinda (the
benevolent enchantress of the South), Locasta (of the North) and Gloma (witch-queen of the Black
Forest in the East). However there was no known virtuous wizardess of the West, that is until
Glinda read of Abatha in her Great Book of Records. Fascinated by the amazing tale of this
unfamiliar conjuress, Dorothy had journeyed to the Gray Swamp, where Abatha was bewitched by
Flinder (her brother-in-law). As I have already mentioned, this was the last of Dorothys quests
within Oz; Glinda explained to her this on her last day.

Miserable, the orphan child walked back to her ranch-house, from where she had sat, under a tall oak
tree. Auntie Em (a shortened version of Emily) had cooked shepherds pie for dinner. After eating a
delicious meal, Dorothy climbed up the stairs and began reading a book in bed.

Dorothy enjoyed reading books, as now she knew that the majority of stories could actually occur in
Oz. They seemed more realistic. They reminded her of Oz.

Suddenly, the Earth shook terribly beneath her delicate body.

 Terror seized her.

She ran.

Down the stairs.

Into the kitchen.

HELP!!!
Furiously, the ferocious quake swallowed the house, taking a petrified girl deep into the depths of the
destructive Earth. Dorothy shut her eyes tightly closed, not wanting to see the desolation of herself and
her home.

But then, everything stopped.

Dorothy opened her eyes.

Astonished, she was now in the place of her dreams.

Oz.

Chapter II

Back In Oz
Dorothy was now in the western quadrant of Oz- Winkie country. She knew this due to nearly
everything being the luminous colour yellow (the principal colour of the Winkies). Vast fields of amber
were on her right, and on the left, a large, pitch-black forest.

Her relief was shattered completely when she saw how different Oz was now.

A dark shade of what seemed almost crimson was the normally bright azure sky. Cracked and
demolished were the once beautiful valleys. Even the black forest was not as glamorous as it used to be.
Not one living creature was in sight. It was as if the disastrous earthquake in Kansas had actually
happened in Oz, so was this really her paradise?

Yes, thought Dorothy. It has to be.

One of the major differences between this fantasia and Dorothys homeland had been the amount of
lively colour. However, the brilliance of Oz now was not much more superior to dull Kansas.

Swiftly, from the dismal ether, a cotton white cloud seemed to be descending. Wisps of grey smoke
danced forth the nebula, flowing into many shapes. Then the strands of mist formed into a majestic
leopard, before transforming into a queenly lady.

This sovereign wore a lengthy gown of stygian chiffon. Her glossy hair was hung long behind her back.
Upon her head she had a glistening diadem, made from pure obsidian. She had jet earrings, shaped like
ravens, and necklaces with intricate designs. These elaborate patterns made clear that this empress was
wealthy and in command. Immense natural beauty complimented the costly clothing by making this
character a supreme figure.

At once, Dorothy knew who this noblewoman was.

Gloma was the witch-queen of the Black Forest, the good witch of the East.

To the left of Dorothy was the Black Forest, at the moment, as I have previously wrote.
Everything in this kingdom was black, hence the name the Black Forest. Like all else in this
colourless realm, her skin, eyes, hair and clothing was black. Her mighty magic, curiously enough, was
the only thing producing any other colours.

Welcome back to Oz, Dorothy. We have called for an extremely important meeting and you are the
main guest.

Gloma put forward her hand. Dorothy touched it and instantly, they were both transported to the front
of a massive castle.

Dorothy had been to this palace many times before, yet she was still amazed by its radiance.

In front of them, there stood three young girls, dressed in red uniforms, each of a different shade (one,
a dark maroon, one, a dazzling magenta and one, a vivid scarlet). As soon as Dorothy and Gloma
approached this trio of girl soldiers, they immediately opened the fuchsia gates to reveal a magnificent
mansion, which surprisingly had not been demolished like the rest of Oz ( due to some incredible
enchantment Dorothy thought). Thousands of towers, with semicircular windows, were surrounded by
spacious gardens. Immeasurable detail was given to create this spectacular fortress, which made it far
grander than any mere monument of Earth.

This was the home of the graceful Glinda, good Witch to the southern Quadlings.

When Dorothy and Gloma began walking through the tremendous arched doorways, an interesting
conversation broke out between them.

Gloma, what has happened to Oz? Why have you brought me here?

All shall be explained in the meeting, Dorothy, which is why we are here. Although...

Yes, your majesty,

I might as well tell you, since you ought to know a bit about the matter before we go to the council.

Ought to know a bit about which matter?

Well, you have heard of Mombi, have you not?

I have. She was the wicked Witch of the North, wasnt she?
That is correct. Now, Mombi had been deprived of all her magical powers by Glinda. You may think
she would now repent for her misdeeds. But no. Mombi still had wickedness in her heart. Even though
she was not able to perform any enchanting powers, Mombi could still awaken a Witch.

What do you mean, Gloma? You mean to say that there is another evil Witch in Oz?

Yes, there is one for the South, the North, the East and the West, but the Witch of the central
Emerald city was not known about, prior to now.

A wicked Witch of the Emerald city?

A much greater Witch than all of the good witches combined, and that was when they reached the
assembly hall.

Chapter III

In the Presence of a Powerful Assembly

Reaching their destination, Dorothy and Gloma sat in the two empty chairs of the long table.

Everyone sat at the aggregation was familiar with Dorothy: the intelligent Scarecrow, the Cowardly
Lion, the brave Tin Man, the Glass Cat, Gump, the Shaggy Man, the Hungry Tiger, Prof. Woggle-
Bug, Ozma, Jack Pumpkinhead, Locasta, Abatha, Scraps (the Patchwork girl), Tik-Tok and of
course, Glinda. This resplendent empress sat in a titian throne, embedded with millions of glistening
rubies.

Welcome to Oz, Dorothy. A lot has changed since you last came. Hatefully, Mombi, wicked witch
of the northern Gillikins, has awakened the forgotten Witch of emeralds. explained the good enchantress
of the South.

So there is a wizardess of the centre of Oz. Who is she? asked a puzzled and amazed Dorothy.

To begin with even I did not know. Mombi and the other wicked Witches knew of her and then the
good Witches found out about her once she was revived. The great book of records did not offer much
information. Nevertheless, it did mention of a jewel, in which the wicked Witch of the Emerald City
was trapped in. This gemstone was in the possession of Abatha.

At that point, a graceful gentlewoman, dressed all in blue, stood from her chair. Over her deep
chestnut hair she wore a medieval-style hair net. She was dressed in a cyan frock and an indigo, hooded
cloak. Abatha was the good Witch of the eastern Munchkins.

That is when Glinda came to me to observe it, but it was stolen from me. I was frozen in time for
aeons, so I know many more things than any of the good Witches now, so I told her some interesting
facts about Oz, which she did not know. Firstly, the fairy Lurline came to the region of Oz and sent
one fairy to look after its domains. Ozma the First was her name, and she bore four daughters and one
son. Each daughter travelled to one of the compass directions, with the son, King Emer Oz the First,
being the predominant ruler. From then on, the good and wicked Witches have descended from the four
daughters and the Ozite monarch has been the descendant of Oz I. Every king and queen had the
surname Oz or Ozma. described Abatha. After stating her information, she sat back down.
However, many generations afterwards, a Witch, whose ancestor was the king of Oz, caused chaos,
and was finally defeated by the good Witches of that time. They captured the emerald Witch into a jade
jewel and gave it to me. This Witch had been the mother of the Witches East and West, their father
being a malicious warlock. Mombi was sister to the maleficent mage, and so retrieved the spirit of
Almira, her sister-in-law. She was the one who thieved it from me. Almira caused this discord in
Oz.

What about Uncle Henry and Auntie Emily? Have they died in the Kansas quake? inquired
Dorothy.

Your Aunt and Uncle are now in the Emerald City. They know of your presence here. If you were
to go back to your other home, you may be severely injured, even dead. So, the good Witches have
brought you to Oz to live, forever, if you wish so. answered Queen Ozma of Oz.

Ozma was the leader of the entire Land of Oz Even though she was extremely wise, she was still a
young girl. Her eyes were glittering diamonds which shone the brightest of light; her lips were the colour
of crystal tourmaline. Ozmas mind and heart were as beautiful as her person.

I will stay in Oz. Dorothy replied.

There must be another reason to why you brought me; do you want me to go on another journey?

Thereupon, Locasta, who was dressed in a crystal gown and wearing a cerise, pointed-hat, stood up
and began to speak.

Gloma brought you here, though Almiras forces were so powerful that the earthquake happened in both
Kansas and Oz. We have summoned you, not only to be aware of our situation, but to go on a
perilous quest. Almira bewitched the names of the wicked Witches East and West; in case that they
die, when their names are called, they will come back to life once again. Due to this enchantment,
Almira wiped away all memory of their nomina, including her own: a reason to why nobody knows of
their names. Nonetheless, before incanting the hex, she wrote down their names and concealed them.
Abatha and Glinda have relocated the scroll and have discovered that she hid it in her castle, where she
is now. It is only a matter of time before she uncovers it. Instead of asking you to find this writing,
we are asking you to go to the three destinies. These are three fates who look over many mystical
worlds, and protect them from harm. This eternal trio have been known by many aliases, in your world
as well as ours: the Moirai, as the Greeks named them, the Parcae, by the Romans, the Norns, the
name given to them by the Norse Vikings, and the Sudice, by the Slavs. Never has anyone known of
their whereabouts, yet you must journey to the celestial King Rainbow. This great emperor is the only
person with some knowledge of where they are. Hopefully, when you find the fates, they will help you.

Our meeting is over, said Glinda Dorothy, if you would come with me please.

Dorothy and Glinda both stood up and left the party, who were all departing. It was only now that
Dorothy noticed exactly how divine the good Witch of the South looked.

Glinda always appeared to be very young, despite the fact she was thousands of years old. This was
because she knew anti-aging spells, which kept her young, in spite of the many aeons she had lived
through. She wore a splendid, pure-white gown, which trailed behind her as she walked. Glindas golden-
red hair was finer than the most costly of rich silks, and flowed in ringlets over her shoulders. Her
superb, sapphire eyes were as bright as the heavens above and her ruby lips, like rose petals. She did not
wear jewels, for her solely take with you the Shaggy Man, for the rest of your friends have jobs to do
in Oz.

I understand. Where are we going now?

To my library, so that we can research a little, you need to know where to go.

And so, Dorothy and Glinda walked up the winding staircase, through a corridor, into a gigantic
room on the right hand side.

Chapter IV

Quest for the Rainbow

Glinda had read thousands of books in her entire lifetime- which she kept in her library. Dorothy and
the marvellous enchantress had reached this bibliotheca. At the hordes of manuscripts and volumes, the
little girl gazed in awe.

Reading is a mighty magic, a reason to why the outstanding book collection was so extraordinary.

Millions of chronicles were kept in towering book cases. Thousands of almanacs, hundreds of ancient
scrolls, many fiction novels, a large amount of diaries were all in this incredible athenaeum. Every gap
was covered with a chart, or calendar, or portrait etc. Not any empty spaces could be seen; even
exceptionally minute spaces had maps over them.

Dorothy though that Glinda and her were the only people in this room (if this phenomenon could be
described as a room), though she was wrong. Behind a table, covered with piles of books sat a
harlequin-green worm in a comfy chair (which was like an apple in both size and appearance). He was not
a slimy, dirty mollusc, but a clean, almost cartoon, bug. He had round, black spectacles, a red spotty tie
and a gigantic book (titled How to Be Big by Hugh Mungous) on his tiny lap. Dorothy knew he was
a male because he had a badge with his name on, clipped onto his tie: Mr B. Worm.

Glinda, who is this?

I am Mr Book Worm, the librarian of her majestys library. replied the book worm, for that was
who he was. He was an ozite worm from an invertebrate family and become a bibliophile ever since he
learned how to read.

Glinda then requested a book from Mr Worm.

The Codex Moira, an ancient manuscript by an unknown historian, one moment mistress. and he
placed a tiny whiteboard in front of him. Mr Worm then took a little black pen and began to write
Codex Moira upon the board. When he had finished, an old book suddenly appeared onto the board,
pages and cover time-worn. Here you are madam! exclaimed Mr Book. Glinda the Good picked it up
and perused through.
The fates are far superior to the three immortals, Ak, Kern and Bo, for they only protect
Nonestica. If one were to know where they were, it would be the great Rainbow, for he can see nearly
everything as he sets his glorious bow of gorgeous colours down to Earth. We have enchanted the
Shaggy Mans horse Ajax so that and no harm can come to him, or any of his riders. Ajax will take
you to a portal cave, a mystical cavern with numerous transporting doors; I do not know which you
should go through. One will transport you to the Rainbows cloud castle, and you will take with you a
message that explains all he needs to know. Ozma will hand you this letter when you leave. Assuming
that the emperor knows of the Moirais site, he should be able to take you to them. This is our sole
plan. described Glinda.

Glinda put the book down (which vanished back into its place) and led Dorothy through to a different
room. The room would have been quite small in size, but just as she walked inside, she realised that the
area was far from miniature; it was gigantic.

Hundreds of thousands of people were here, and they all had their own individual space.

All of the inhabitants of the Quadling country live here now, until we conquer evil. There are similar
places in the Emerald City, Gillikin country, Munchkin country, Winkie country, the land of Ev, Ix,
Noland, Boboland, Hiland, Loland and all the other realms of the Nonestic continent. said Glinda.

Dorothy could hear the wailing babies, the hungry calls for food and the sadness in the hearts of the
miserable people.

We are doing all we can for the noble citizens of Oz, though it is hard for everybody. There is just
enough food to go around for all, yet it is not a sufficient amount. With all the crops and farms
eradicated by Almira, only our magic can provide meals for the people, but since we are not particularly
skilled in gastronomic sorcery, we can only create a small amount for the many mouths to feed.

When will I go with the Shaggy man to the portals? queried Dorothy.

You can go now, if you wish so. Follow me!

She walked out of the large chamber past many rooms, and through a superbly decorated door. Of
course, this passage proceeded to the abundant palace gardens.

Where once supremely wonderful plants grew, Dorothy could now see that the fertile grounds were
now primarily used for the growth of herbaceous plants. Handsomely, a brilliant stallion galloped across
the ruby fields, taking care not to destroy the many delicious vegetables. A man of shaggy clothes was
the rider. He sat upon the saddle seat and directed the horse where to go with a pair of reins.

Who was this gentle person?

He was the Shaggy Man (nobody, not including himself, and perhaps his relatives, knew his real
name).

Dorothy had first met this humble person on the doorstep of her Kansas home- he was asking
directions to Butterfield. As a matter of fact, the Shaggy Man only desired to know the way to
Butterfield so that he would not travel there by mistake; a man lives there who owed him money- if he
were to go there, the man would want to repay him. Mr Shaggy Man needed only for people to love
him ,and money makes people greedy, nobody likes a greedy person.

Is it time yet yer majesty?

Yes it is, Shaggy Man. replied Glinda the Good.

Slowly, the wise Quadling Queen whispered softly a few magical words. Out from the sides of the
pure white equines body, two rainbow-coloured wings sprouted. An even more unexpected phenomenon
began when the steed began to talk:

I am Ajax and I will try to do everything I am capable of during the adventure to come.

And it was then the spectacular expedition had in truth begun, when Dorothy and the Shaggy Man
mounted the extraordinary creature and flew towards the rainbow.

Chapter V

Ajaxs Adventure
Dorothy and the Shaggy Man sat on the horse as it glided through the skies. To begin with, the
upper atmosphere had been a bold cyan, but once the boundary of Glindas palace had been passed, the sky
resumed to a hideous shade of macabre red. Looking below, onto the never-ending ruined fields was
horrifying. Oz was nothing as it had been in Dorothys time. For this reason, the trio (including
Ajax, because he could now speak), were kept busy with conversation.

Why did you name your horse Ajax? was one of the questions Dorothy had wanted to know the
answer to.

Ajax is the name of an ancient Greek hero! answered the Shaggy Man.

Can you please tell us his story, the tale of my namesake? requested Ajax.

Of course. There were two greek heroes named Ajax from mythology. The stronger and more famous
of the two was the Telamonian Ajax, also known as Ajax the Great (the other Ajax being the
Locrian, or Oilean, Ajax, called the Lesser). Ajax was a fighter in the Trojan War, an a strong
leader at that. Once Ajax and Hector fought together in a duel. This fight was stopped by the heralds,
and the two brave warriors exchanged gifts. Hector recieved a belt from Ajax, who himself achieved a
sword. Little did he know that the veruy same blade would cause his downfall.

How did that happen? inquired a puzzled Dorothy How can a mighty soldier like Ajax be killed by
his own weapon?
Ajax the Great was extremely loyal to another valiant prince, Achilles. As soon as Achilles passed
away, everyone quarrelled over his golden armour. Our hero thought the armour should be handed over to
him, so when it was awarded to the wise Odysseus, he tried to murder his comrades. Athena (the
courageous Olympian Goddess of intellect, warfare, strategy and inspiration) intervened in this scenario
by making Ajax think that cattle were his former allies. Realizing that he had slaughtered the kine, he
honourably committed suicide, using the arms Hector had gifted him with. A truly sad tale is the legend
of Ajax.

I never knew that the man I am named after had such miserable end. commented Ajax, the horse.

I hate to see Oz in this state, and this story has just made me feel more distress. I do not want to
live in an Oz like this. I am absolutely petrified of Almira. I do not know what I am going to do!
cried Dorothy gloomily.

I have heard nothing more negative than what you have just said! exclaimed the Shaggy Man. It is
very important for you not to be negative, as negative thoughts attract more negative things to a person.
Being posotive is far better, as it will bring posotive things towards you. It is very logical.

I understand, I will be more hopeful from now onwards.

Just as Dorothy finished her sentence, the adventurers heard a distant rumbling sound. They all
looked up into the bloodshot sky. An eery mist surrounded them. Looking down, the triad saw the
deadly desert.

If a violent storm were to come, and they were to fall off Ajax, they would instantly turn to sand, the
moment they feel the sands. Dorothy and the Shaggy Man commanded their speedy steed to go quite
faster, which is what he did. However, as soon as Ajax flew more rapidly...

Instantly, a SLASH of golden lightning slithered down faster than an amber cheetahs
pounce for his prey. Immediately, a formidable RUMBLE of terrifying thunder groaned
as loud as a fearsome giant. All of a sudden, a resplendant lady glided upon a chestnut-brown
broomstick. She flew in circles, before approaching the group of adventurers. Dorothy could now see
that the sinister sorceress wore a long dress of sapphire. A cloak of perfect violet was draped behind
her tall back. Her russet-brown hair reached her brood shoulders. She had to be one of the most
beauteous women Dorothy had ever seen.

Dear madam, who might you be? the Shaggy Man inquired.

Dorothy should know me. responded the exquisite mistress.

But I have never seen you before, I dont think. was the answer given by the confused young girl.

Ha, Ha Haaa!!! You do not remember me! and as she stressed on the word me, a vision
appeared, an realistic image on a fluffy cloud. An old hag was behind a bush, spying on a gorgeous
woman and handsome man, who were both clearly in love with each other. Dorothy knew straight away
that the man was Nick Chopper, the Tin Woodman. Therefore, the gentlewoman must have been
Nimmie Amee, his true love. She could remember right away that it was the cruel Witch of the East
who had stopped them from getting married. This ugly picture of an old matron watch over the couple
had to be the ferocios Witch herself.

I am the Witch who brought you here in the beginning. I am the great sorceress of the east, whom you
murdered!

You mean to say that you caused the hurricane in Kansas, two years ago!

Yes, if that is how long I have been eternally asleep. My wondrous mother has awakened me and my
mighty sister by calling me on my name.

And your name is? Dorothy wanted to know.

My name is not worthy for you commoners to pronounce. But in my name, I curse you! In the name
of Thundra, queen of the East, I curse you with all lightning and thunder!!!

Thundra put forward hand and gigantic gusts of bitter winds charged towards the three companions.
Swirling round and round, the chaotic whirlwind burst all the rocks of the desert into smithereens. In
every direction, the shifting sands blasted away. Ajax tried as hard as he could to fly speedily so that
the malicious Thundra could not reach the group.

Chapter VI

A Spider Called Web

Opening her eyes, Dorothy could see that she was in some sort of cave. Bright beams of sunlight
seaped through the ceiling cracks of the cavern, from the bold cerulean sky- wait a second, a blue sky?

Dorothy leaped up in amazement. Around her were her good friends, Ajax and the Shaggy Man,
looking very cheerful to see her awake.

What happened?

We crashed into a rock cave, which belongs to Mr Web, a vegetarian spider! When we hurtled into
this mountain, you fell off. Luckily we were near to ground, and you only were unconscious for a short
amount of time clarified their trusty steed.
I want to meet this Mr Web. Where is he?

On the call of his name by Dorothy, a purple spider descended from the ceiling via a narrow but solid
thread of silver web.

Mr Web cannot speak English, like we do. Instead he speaks the language of arachnids: Spidderish.
Spidderish is not a vocabulary, but communicates with senses, vibration and emotion; a reason for why
nobody can speak it! justified the Shaggy Man. My Spidderish is quite rusty. Nonetheless, I can
understand it very much and I can have basic conversations. Spidderish is not as difficult as Antonese
(the tongue of ants), or Snelsh (the communication of snails)

Oh my! We have destroyed the poor spiders home. How can we help? apologised Dorothy for the
inconvenient crash landing.

Mr Shaggy Man conversed carefully with Mr Web, who said that they could help him rebuild his
cobweb house. Also, if they wanted to, looking for vegetables to eat would be very nice.

At once, the Shaggy Man began looking through the bags on Ajaxs back. He took out a dozen small
tablets. These are square meal tablets, invented by the professor HM Wogglebug TE. They should
last you at least a week, for you are small in size. told the kind man to the tiny amethyst arachnid.

After they had all eaten meal tablets (which contained a course of three delicous courses), they
accompanied Mr Web in spinning a new web for him to live in.